Government of Canada Makes Historic Investment in Women and Girls Health

Wednesday, 05 June 2019 04:09.PM

- Government of Canada makes historic investment to promote the health and rights of women and girls around the world.

Advancing gender equality is key to strengthening the middle class, growing the economy, and building a better world. Canada is a champion for gender equality at home and abroad. Investing in women and girls' health, and protecting their sexual and reproductive health rights, is a critical part of that.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Government of Canada will raise its funding to reach $1.4 billion annually, starting in 2023, to support women and girls' health around the world. A ten-year commitment, this historic investment will support sexual and reproductive health rights and maternal, newborn, and child health – with $700 million of the annual investment dedicated to sexual and reproductive health rights, as of 2023. The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Women Deliver 2019 Conference, which Canada is hosting this week in Vancouver.

This investment will advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promote sexual and reproductive health rights, and build on Canada's leadership on global gender equality. The funding will help make sure women and girls around the world have access to the quality health services they need, including safe and legal abortion, and support women's right to make their own decisions about their bodies. From providing comprehensive sexual education, to supporting maternal and neonatal care, the investment will advance the rights and health of women and girls around the world.

Quick Facts

- Held every three years, Women Deliver is the world's largest gathering on the health, rights and well-being of women and girls. This year's theme is "Power, Progress, Change."
- This year's conference brings together more than 8,000 world leaders, advocates, academics, and journalists from more than 160 countries. An additional 100,000 people will participate virtually.
- In March 2017, Canada announced $650 million over three years to address gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world.
- Every two minutes, a woman dies from complications from pregnancy or in childbirth. Most of these deaths are preventable.
- In developing countries, 214 million women have an unmet need for modern contraception.
- Each year, 25 million unsafe abortions take place due to stigma and restrictions to access of safe medical treatment.